LAUSD Chief Suspending Homework Policy

Los Angeles - Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent John Deasy today suspended a new district policy that allows homework to count for only 10 percent of a student's grade, saying he wanted more input from parents, teachers and school board members on the issue.

"We cannot and will not implement a policy of this magnitude without actively soliciting and incorporating recommendations from our constituencies," Deasy said.

Some critics of the policy complained that it would penalize hard-working students who complete homework assignments and actually encourage students not to do them.

Deasy said he asked Jaime Aquino, deputy superintendent of instruction, to consult with parents, teachers, administrators and board members to craft a new policy, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Deasy said he wants to have the board vote on a new policy by March 1, 2012, so it can be in place for the 2012-13 school year.

"I continue to believe that this district needs a policy that properly balances homework with other critical factors -- tests, classroom participation and others -- in determining student performance," he said.